Fr. Fred Daley, a parish priest, was informed by Catholic Relief Services that he will not be allowed to minister with them because of his public identity as a gay priest. This notice came just weeks before he was to leave for Lesotho in Africa to assist with Catholic HIV/AIDS ministry. Fr. Fred notes that Archbishop Mohlalisi of Maseru, Lesotho told Catholic Relief Services that Daley's sexual orientation was not a problem for the diocese. The decision by Catholic Relief Services not only discriminates against the gay community, but also against the people of Lesotho who are now deprived of the valuable ministry Fr. Fred would have offered.

Write a letter to Catholic Relief Services and ask them to issue a statement that they will not discriminate against anyone who applies for or serves on their programs who has publicly acknowledged their sexual orientation. Letters should be addressed to:

Bishop Robert Lynch, Chairman

Catholic Relief Services Board

c/o Diocese of St. Petersburg

PO Box 40200

St. Petersburg, FL 33743

Mr. Kenneth Hackett, CEO

Catholic Relief Services

209 W. Fayette St.

Baltimore, MD 21201-3443

To send a note of support or to join the local efforts, contact

Jim FitzGerald of Call To Action - Utica, at 315-768-2481, or JfitzG2038@yahoo.com.